BBC must offer iPlayer for Linux and Apple

The BBC will not be allowed to issue an iPlayer using only Microsoft software, a regulator has ruled. The BBC had wanted to start an online TV program service that would allow users of
all computers to download programs.

However, the State-owned television station wanted to release its iPlayer service using only Windows and had no plans to do so for Mac and Linux users. A spokesman for the BBC Trust said it had approved the iPlayer on the condition of "platform neutrality," including a download service.

The BBC has said it launched exclusively using Windows to get the service out to as many people as possible and it hopes to have 500,000 users by April next year. However, the Trust said it was monitoring the situation closely to make sure that the BBC keeps its platform neutral.